Kragdon

PART 11: Discoveries

They stood twelve feet away from each other, Buffy in a fighting
stance waiting for an attack. She looked so beautiful Faith had
thought as she starred at Buffy. She could tell that the blond
slayer couldn't make out her face due to the shadows that hid most
of her facial features. Faith was breathing hard from both the fight
and the sheer exhaustion that she felt. For some reason it was
taking more of her energy here than in the other world to keep her
appearances. She didn't want to change especially in front of the
blond slayer, and the smell of arousal that was in the air wasn't
helping anything either. Faith could feel her animal urges coming to
the forefront, could feel her control slipping, and her mind becoming
unfocused. Never before had it been this hard, she need to get out
of here fast, if she didn't lord knows what she might do.

Just as she was about to back away into the shadows to disappear,
she saw right behind her sister slayer a group of vampires that were
looking to jump her from behind. Faith knew that there were too many
for the blond slayer to handle on her own and that she wouldn't make
it out alive. It was exactly at that instant that Faith lost
control, as the realization came over her that Buffy might die. It
was too swift for her to even try to stop. She was reminded of Dawn,
of Clair, of all she had seen and the people that she had cared
about die in front of her eyes. She was no longer in control, the
beast was.

Jumping high over her head, Buffy ducked and turned to see another
werewolf attack a group of vampires that she hadn't felt approaching
her from behind. She had thought that the creature was going to
attack her at first, so when she stood back up she was in a
defensive stance, she hadn't expected it to go after the vamps.
Buffy didn't think that the beast would be able to dust them with
just teeth and claws, but she was wrong. Buffy watched as one by one
the group of vamps turned into dust, only a few being either thrown
at her to stake or a tree branch. Little did she know that behind
her there was one unconscious pissed off were thing behind her that
was starting to wake up. The other two nowhere to be found.

Shaking his head Marcus slowly got to his feet shaking his head to
clear the cobwebs that were clouding his brain. Looking up he
suddenly remembered his humiliating defeat and the reason why, Faith
was supposed to be his. He looked at the blond slayer that had stole
his queen's heart, stole her from him. He would make her pay, rip her
throat out. Growling low in his throat he started to run to where
she was jumping high in the air, and landing on top of her, going
straight for Buffy's throat.

Buffy who had just helped finish dusting the last vamp, turned when
she heard a twig snap behind her her stake rising as she turned her
upper body. She was surprised when she saw a black mass of fur
flying towards her. She didn't have time to duck and roll, the beast
had already tackled her and was trying to go for her throat. She had
just enough time to grab it by the jaw just before its teeth could
sink into her throat. The demon's putrid breath making her want to
gag. Buffy tried to buck it off of her, but it wouldn't budge, and
she knew that if she moved her hands that it would be her undoing.
Her strength was disappearing quickly and she was exhausted from the
vamps that she had fought earlier tonight, plus helping dust that
group of vamps a few minutes ago. Just as she was about to let go,
feeling her hands slipping as the creature snarled and inched its
head closer, the weight was gone.

Faith who threw the last vamp away from her turned to face Buffy,
though she was fully turned and it was much harder to bring her
human mind to the forward she somehow managed it. Feeling the rage
leave her body she turned when she heard a growl her eyes now an
amber color and growing darker and brighter than before. Her mind no
longer her own as she saw what was going down. Rage filled her body,
her blood boiling, the fire in her eyes growing stronger and
brighter that it started to manifest itself to the outside. Moving
quicker than she ever had in her whole life, Faith lept and tackled
Marcus off of Buffy. Throwing him over into a grave stone which
broke in two on impact.

The flames surrounding her, Faith went after him just as he was
getting back up, the fire burning his hair everytime it touched him.

As Buffy turned her body and started to get up she heard growls and
whimpers coming from the left of her, lifting her head she was
struck motionless at the sight about twenty feet in front of her.
There before her eyes was the were that had jumped her and the other
one that had just killed about fifteen vampires not a few minutes
ago or so she assumed it was. She couldn't really tell, one was
covered in flames and the other looked like it was trying to look
for an escape without being killed. If Buffy had been anyone but the
slayer she probably wouldn't even be able to follow most of the
fight that was happening in front of her they were moving so fast.
She had just blinked her eyes when she heard it.

A sickening cry filled the air, its pitch making car alarms go off a
block away, then it was silent. The only sound were the distant car
alarms and the heavy breathing coming from the were in front of
Buffy. The flames around it slowly coming down and going all the way
out. Its eyes dimming in color and turning into a brown so deep that
Buffy would recognize anywhere in the universe. Though she didn't
want to believe it, those eyes just confirmed what she had feared,
"Faith?" Buffy said in a voice barely above a whisper.

Buffy watched, as the sun rose into the sky, her suspisions being
confirmed as the creature before her turned slowly into a very naked
cut up Faith.

Faith could feel the sun rise, her body starting to change back to
its human form, to her mask. She saw in the distance her clothes
shreded and the weeping sisters in the pockets of the unrepairable
leather jacket that had been torn in two because of the change. She
had cuts on her body and parts of her was covered in blood from both
the vamps and Marcus who lay behind her dead now. She was utterly
and completely exhausted. She felt Sar'ah and Selena in the distance
to her left sleeping in the bushes. She could feel that they hadn't
of done much but play and mate and she was truly happy for them
both. The had been entirely stressed out ever since they had found
out where Dawn had gone. They had fought almost the whole two years
it had taken to find a portal that would stay open long enough to
transport them all and to put them in a specific place and time.
Faith could feel the exhaution becoming stronger and start to take
over her body as the transformation back to her human form. Just
before passing out one word had left her lips as she fell face first
into the ground, sleep taking over her mind and body.

Buffy thought that she heard Faith say her name before she collapsed
onto the ground. She felt sheer panic run through her as she started
to notice that more than half of Faith's body was covered in blood.
Thinking that it was hers, Buffy crawled over to Faith and cradled
her head in her lap as she checked for a pulse, heart beat and
whether or not if Faith was breathing. Finding that everything was
steady, Buffy picked her up in her arms and carried her towards the
gate, out of the cemetary, and straight towards the magick box that
she knew is where she would find Giles researching what he could
find on this new demon that had kicked her ass not too long ago.
Ignoring the body that was left on the grounds but not forgetting it
Buffy moved forward with a naked Faith in her arms, the sun behind
her slowly rising in the sky, towards the magick box without
looking back. Just wanting to make sure that Faith was alright and
plus there was the fact that now that Buffy had found her she was
never going to lose her again.

Oh don't get Buffy wrong the anger was still there, but the concern
and love that Buffy felt towards the dark slayer was simply
stronger, and overrid anything and everything else. Little did she
know that she was being watched silently by two naked women who were
hiding in the bushes, clutching to their chests a red and black
dagger, praying that nothing would happen to their Queen.

PART 12: Dawn

It took her ten minutes to get to the magick box, but by the time
she got there Buffy was going into full blown panic. Faith hadn't
moved once since Buffy had picked her up and if it wasn't for the
movement of her chest Buffy would have thought that Faith had up and
died on her. Her heart constricted at the thought of Faith dying.
Holding back tears Buffy burst through the front door of the magick
box calling for Giles.

"Buffy?"

"Giles help."

"Who is that? What happened."

"It's Faith, I don't have time to explain, she's injured I think. I
need your help"

"Here let's bring her to the back."

Moving to the back training room Buffy carefully placed Faith down
on the cot that she sometimes used to rest on when she finished a
difficult routine. Covering her naked body with a naked sheet, Buffy
caressed one of Faith's cheeks feeling the tears that she was holding
back earlier spring forth. Silently she asked 'why Faith, why did
you leave, I thought you loved me,' before she moved out of the way
and let Giles check Faith for any serious injuries. Wiping the tears
from her eyes Buffy helps clean off the dry blood from Faith's body.
She could feel Giles eyes on her as he observed her and how each
time she touched Faith it was with a lover's touch and not one of an
enemies. She knew that he had questions, that when the scoobies
arrived that they would also have the same. She just wasn't ready,
to answer them, to answer her own, to answer Faith's when she came
around.

"Buffy, might I have a word with you?" Giles asked already leaving
the room.

Taking one last look at Faith, admiring how innocent her face looked
and how her normal olive complextion was more pronounced as well as
most of her facial features, making her look more sensual and grown
up, Buffy followed behind Giles to the main part of the store where
he was waiting patiently for her.

As soon as Buffy exited the training room, Giles turned with a
question on his lips. Fortunately for Buffy it was that moment that
Anya and Xander walked in arguing like usual. Halting Giles from his
barage of questions.

"...An, I didn't mean it like that..."

"..Yes. yes you did, just because you have a penis and that I..."

"Anya?!?" Xander said with a hand over her mouth, shooting both
Buffy and Giles an apologetic smile.

As if just noticing them Anya perked up a bit removing Xander's hand
from her mouth.

"Buffy will agree with me," she stated walking with determination
down the stairs straight towards them.

Just as she reached them Willow and Tara walked in hand and hand,
bright smiles on their faces.

"Hey guys" Willow said cheerily to everyone.

"W-what's going on" Tara
supplied for Willow, her smile disappearing when she saw the
expressions on everyone's faces. If Tara hadn't of hung around them
for awhile, the faces that she saw would be almost comical. If it
hadn't been for the grave expressions on Buffy's and Giles' faces she
would have laughed. Instead she asked with a bad feeling in the pit
of her stomach "what's wrong."

Hearing the seriousness in Tara's tone which was rarely there
everyone turned to Buffy and Giles. All had a questioning look on
their faces. It was then as silence decended on the group that they
heard it.

Crash...

Looking up from the place on the floor that she had fixed her stare
Buffy turned to the training room, running as quick as she could
with everyone else on her heels following her. Fear gripping her
Buffy walked over the to doubled over Faith who was shaking.

"Buffy?" Giles asked silently a few steps behind her read to move
forward and protect his slayer if the occassion called for it. He
paused though when she raised her hand letting him know that it was
okay. That she could handle it.

"Faith" Buffy asked when she got close enough to the dark haired
slayer slowly reaching out to touch her shoulder ignoring the
collected gasps that she heard from the scoobs who were behind her.
When she was about to touch her her hand froze in mid air. Shocked
when she heard a deep resonating growl come from her sister slayer.
The growl was so deep and long that an involuntary shiver ran down
her spine, both from arousal and fear.

*****

Faith raised her head her eyes glowing a yellowish brown the sheet
that was covering her body had slipped a little ways revealing her
upper torso. She didn't really remember what had happened just that
she was aware again and her mate was kneeling in front of her with an
arm stretched out towards her, frozen in place. But there was
something else, something strong and had the potential to do great
wrongs or great goods. she also had an after taste of death and ash
in her mouth. She was confused for a minute, her growling became
stronger when the memories of what happened last night assulted her
mind again. This time not stopping, she felt like her head was going
to explode, it hurt so much. the power, the bloodlust that complete
abandonment of everything she held dear to her, the extra boost that
the hellmouth gave her. It all hit her a once strong and fast not
quitting until it was stored away. The power of it knocking her out
for a minute or two and when she came around again it was staring
into the eyes of the most strikingly beautiful blue eyes she had
ever saw, filled with compassion and understanding. There was no
pity or worry, just pure and simple compassion. It was then looking
deeper into this girl's eyes that she saw what she thought didn't
exist. A sister soul.

The power and love that she experianced in those eyes almost nearly
literally brought her to tears. She had no idea who them belonged to
but they reminded her so much of Clair when she was alive that she
almost did start to cry. A single tear rolling down her eyes, Faith
reached up to cup this girl's cheek and whispered so quiet that only
she would hear and understand. "Frusta Natura, Com'us Tratia fo 's
Grumnal." (Natures priestess, Claims the Queen's Soul for the
goddess.)

Tara who was the last to arrive at the door to the training room
pushed her way through when she felt the presence of a Pantherian
close by paused when she saw Buffy approach the half naked woman on
the floor. Looking at the woman's aura she thought that she had seen
it before. It was when she heard the name that Buffy uttered that
she understood, this was the dark slayer, the one that switched
bodies with Buffy last year. But there was something different about
her, she was stronger, less damaged. It was at that moment that she
knew what was different about the dark slayer, that she couldn't
place her finger on. She was the Pantherian that she had been
feeling. Tara was shocked at first then curious, as she had only met
one of them in her lifetime and she was only a little girl then.

Tara could feel Willow tense as she started to move in front of her.
Though Tara wanted to reassure Willow that nothing would happen she
couldn't, for some reason she felt drawn by the dark slayer as if
something was about to happen that she was supposed to witness. Then
it happened everything started to slow down and a blast of power
shot out of Faith knocking Buffy and Mr. Giles back, throwing Faith
five feet away from her initial spot on the floor and onto her back
where she then started to convulse. It was then that she felt the
after shock of that power blast pass through her and the others
bringing Anya and the others to their knees as it passed through
them knocking all of them but Tara herself out. The reason that Tara
was still standing was because she had prepare herself for it brace
her body for contact like a football player would when up against an
opponent. When the shock passed Faith had stopped moving. Tara
rushed over to her checking for a pulse and when she found one she
tried to wake her up. She could feel the others coming around but
she knew that they were fine and that the dark slayer needed her
more. Putting her fingers on Faith's temples Tara prayed to the
goddess feeling a jolt go through her and enter the dark slayer.

Opening her eyes Tara saw that Faith was coming around, she had saw
it all when that jolt went through her and knew all that had
happened from her childhood, her calling, everything, even the death
of Riley and the reason she had come back to Sunnydale. She saw and
she understood, she accepted and didn't judge her cause she knew all
she had seen to be true and knew why she felt so drawn to Faith that
instant. It was Faith who had voice it however. What felt like hours
to them both was just a few seconds in reality. Tara blushed when
she heard her love call her name and finally noticed Faith's nudity
which made her blush even harder the color in her cheeks matching
her Willow's hair.

Placing Faith's head off of her lap Tara backed off a bit, then stood
and went to Willow grabbing her in a kiss that was filled with love
and passion, letting her lover know that everything was alright and
that she had nothing to worry about. When she ended it she saw
Willow had a smirk on her face and her eyes were glazed over she was
lost in her own world.

Turning around, Tara blushed and hid her face behind her hair when
she noticed that every one was staring at her with their mouths
open. Biting her lip she looked up through her hair, shooting a
glare Faith's way when she saw that she was trying not to laugh. Tara
was just thanking the goddess that Faith had covered up again.

Faith thought that it was the most hilarious thing that she ever
saw, inside she was saying 'Hee Hee way to go blondie, get down with
your bad self'. But on the outside she was having trouble holding
it in. She spied the sheet next to her naked body and sitting up
wrapped it around herself, looking back up and at the still glazed
look in Willow's eyes she felt another burst of giggles trying to get
free so bad that her body was shaking, but she still held back. It
was when she saw blondie glaring at her like she was going to kill
her that she just couldn't hold it back any more and brust out
laughing, when she saw that every one was momentarily brought out of
their mind farts and were now staring at her like she had two head
she started to laugh even harder, harder than she had ever laughed
before. It was just too funny for her that she just couldn't help it.

"Buffy?" Came a voice from the door.

That voice, however, shut Faith right up. Looking towards the door
she saw the deciding reason that she had come back to this hellhole
in the first place.

"Buf.. Faith?"

Dawn.

PART 13: Little Sister

No one moved or said a word, holding their bated breathe as they
watched Dawn launch herself at Faith's prone body on the floor. All
for different reasons did they stare at Faith and Dawn as they
almost fell to the floor because of the young brunette embracing the
older one.

"Not your fault." Dawn whispered as soon as she felt the other girl
hesitantly embrace the other girl back. No one spoke for the longest
time as they watched some in awe others in apprehension as they saw
the tears that ran down the hardened brunette's cheeks. If a stranger
perhaps had walk in on the scene that was the training room they
would have been touched to the point of tears as the scene unfolded.
For what that stranger would have saw would be two brunettes who
bore a striking resemblance to each other hugging as if their life
depended on it, surrounded by four females and two males, three of
them looking dumb founded, one with tears in her eye, the older
gentleman looking cautious and a female who looked indifferent, all
being illuminated in an orange hue of light coming in from the
windows.

Faith couldn't believe it. After years of searching and enduring
trials of pain, heartache, and control she had found her Dawnie. She
felt a warmth inside her spread throughout her whole being as the
knowledge of what that meant sunk in. The priests had explained it
to her in the beginning but her moment of clarity didn't come until
that moment as she raised her head and stared in to the eyes of
those she had brought with her arrived. Their gasp of surprise and
joy breaking the trance that everyone had been in. Bringing Buffy
and the rest of the gang back to the reality of what they were
witnessing.

"Dawnie?" both Buffy and Tara said at the same time, looking at each
other first then back to the two brunettes that were still hugging.

Dawn extricating herself from Faith turned to stare at her sister
and the rest of the gang who had now moved further into the room.
She was wiping the tears that had started to fall from her eyes when
she started to hug Faith, and memories of another life had assaulted
her mind, ones of castles, wars and a love for a sister/mother
feeling that she got when she first saw Faith. She remembered,
everything. Just as she was about to respond to her sister's unspoken
question she was all of a sudden tackled and in a wash of
breathtaking hugs by two tanks better known as Sar'ah and Selena.
Both who were crying like their queen had been earlier as the relief
filled them over the fact that they had found their lost cubling.

Before they knew what was happening the lovers were being thrown off
of Dawn by the slayer. Hitting the ground and getting the air
knocked out of them the clothes that they had been carrying and that
had still been in Selena's hands flew and landed about a foot away.

"BUFFY! Why did you do that for?" Dawn shouted at her sister
reprimanding her at throwing Sar'ah and Selena. She started to move
towards them to help them up only to be stopped by Buffy's hand.

"Dawn, they're demons, they were going to hurt you." Buffy told her
sister slowly as if she were talking to a five year old who couldn't
possibly understand. Just as Dawn was about to protest she was cut
off from an outburst by Willow.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on and why the frilly
heck Faith the psycho slayer is here. And who the heck are they."
Willow yelled pointing at the two new strangers, which was followed
with nods and concurences from the rest of the gang except for
Buffy, Tara and Dawn, two of which knew or had guessed at the
answers.

PART 14: What's Mine

Selena was the first to get up, picking up the fallen clothes that
were for her Queen. Helping Sar'ah up they both turned and started
to growl at the witch that would dare to insult their friend and
ruler. Tossing Faith the clothes as she had requested they both were
starting to advance on the witch.

Faith quickly changed into the sweatclothes that her friends had
brought her and when she saw what they were doing she quickly moved
her body in front of them.

Selena *gesturing to the group that had put themselves in front of
willow*: "No. no dra ni. Cara slaw no mina ca toka vi." (No. No it's
not. They have no right to insult you.)

Sar'ah: "Ca toka vas." (To insult us.)

Dawn stood there watching and listening to their interaction, and
that of the gang. She had no idea what to do. Part of her agreed
with Sar'ah and Selena and the other part that had memories of what
Faith had done to the scoobie gang was plotting right along with
them. She was confused and she was starting to get a headache
listening to both sides and having Buffy trying to explain herself
and why Faith and the others were here. Finally she just couldn't
take the arguing anymore so she went up to Buffy grabbing her wrist
she dragged her over to Faith. She grabbed Faith's wrist in her other
hand and ignoring the protests from the others dragged both the
slayers into the main room knowing that the gangs would follow.

When she got to the round table she shoved Buffy towards a seat and
told her to sit, her voice and the fire in her eyes letting Buffy
know that there would be no arguing about it. She did the same thing
to Faith only she went to the other side of the table and had them
sit opposite sides from each other.

Selena and Sar'ah both went to Faith's side while the Scoobs stayed
on Buffy's side. Looking as if the arguments were about to start
again Dawn went and grabbed one of Giles heavier tombs and dropped
it on the table. A feeling of satisfaction filling her as the room
was once again silent and she had gotten everyone's attention.

Taking a deep breath Dawn stood up straight and addressed everyone
in the room. "I don't care who you are, what you are, what your
protests are, or what you could do to me. I am sick and tired of
having to listen to you guys arguing. So here's what you are going to
do. The scoobs are going to listen to Fai and everything she has to
say, if you have questions ask them one at a time, there will be no
interupting, no scoffs, no whimpers or growls from any one. If you
can't listen then I suggest you leave." Looking everyone in the eye
with Buffy's slayer face on as her facial expression. Dawn took a
deep breath and sat down near Faith and the others with her hands
folded in front of her waiting for someone to start. Mentally
channeling Faith to get this ball rolling as she waited patiently.
But much to her disappointment it was Buffy who started and the
question was directed at her.

"What are you doing here anyways Dawn? Aren't you supposed to be at
home with mom."

Looking sheepish for having forgotten what she had come here in the
first place Dawn looked down at her hands twiddling her thumbs "Oh,
um mom had to go out of town again. She found out the last minute so
she dropped me off here cause she thinks that I can't take care of
myself. I mean hello I am fourteen years old, can soo take care of
myself."

"How did you know what Faith just said, when we don't understand a
word she is saying, or what language she is speaking?"

It was Dawn, Anya and Tara who all answered Giles question at the
same time. "It's Pantherian." All three looked at each other with a
questioning look on their faces.

D, T, &A: "How... What... How?"

Tara: "My mom was friends with one, she taught me the language when
I was a little girl."

Anya: "Back in my demon days I went to Xairna to curse a man that
had fallen in love and cheated on his wife with one."

A & T: "Dawn how did you know"

Dawn: "I was born there... *eyes widening* oooppss." Looking at
Buffy to see her staring straight at her as well as every one else.

"What?!" Both Buffy and the scoobs asked with their eyebrows
shooting up to reach their hairline.

"Ummm" looking sheepishly again Dawn looked pointedly at Faith who
just shrugged her shoulders and said you dug your own grave.

"What do you mean you were born there? Born where exactly Dawnie?"
Her attention going back to Buffy Dawn struggled with answering not
knowing how her sister would react. Instead she stuck with her first
answer.

"Ummm.... Shouldn't we be listening to Faith right know trying to
figure out what she is doing here and what not." Which earned her a
glare from both of her sisters, before both turned to appraisingly
look at each other again, not realizing that they were doing it to
each other, Dawn rolled her eyes and decided to change the subject
even farther to what it was supposed to be, silently thinking 'those
two need to get a clue and fast or a room either one works.'

"So Faith whatcha doin here and in English please." Dawn stated,
addressing Faith still looking for an out.

"Yeah Faith, here to try to kill us again like last time or just
join up with whatever latest baddie that will take you?" Xander said
with a sneer as Willow nodded her head for once lost for words.

Faith just glared at them before answering them, fixing her gaze on
Buffy as she did.

F: "Man X, hold a grudge why dontcha, though can't says I blame ya
after all I did kick you out on your lily white ass, after I took a
go at ya."

Smack...

A: "You had sex with a Pantherian and you didn't tell me."

X *rubbing his chest where anya had hit him*: "An... as far as I
knew she wasn't one of those pan-whatevers back then. She was just a
Slayer and besides it was a long time ago."

Faith just held her hand up in supplication saying "Have at em he's
all yours, 'side he isn't even why I came here."

G: "And why did you come here Faith, last I heard you were in
Denver, being chased down by the council before you disappeared." He
said looking intently straight at her.

F: "To help and to get what's mine," she said still looking straight
at Buffy.

A: "Buffy's your orgasm buddy. Oh that's great. You hear that Xander,
Buffy's and Faith are orga...mmphhmm hmphmm." Anya started to say
before being promptly cut off by Xander's hand over her mouth.

X: "An hun, I'm pretty sure that you have that wrong there is no way
that Buffy would ever lower herself to sleep with psycho slut
slayer. Right Buff?" He asked looking oh so hopeful, his statement
being followed by a yeah from Will.

In response all they got was one blushing Buffy and an exclaimed 'I
knew it!!!' from Dawn.

W: "Buffy?"

Faith cut Buffy off before she could answer "Not mine. Not now, not
then, not ever." The look in her eyes betraying her to Buffy as the
memory of their one night was replaying in her head.
"Like I said I came to get what's mine and to help out with things."
Faith stated again, shaking her head to disband the memory from her
mind knowing that Buffy would never love her like Faith wished she
would, that she was just a fuck to her.

"And what would that be Faith." Buffy spoke softly not looking up
at Faith for fear of revealing what she was feeling.

"Me."

"What!?!?!" this came from the whole gang turning to Dawn who had
answered.

"Dawn, what do you mean when you said "me"?" Giles asked her
tentatively.

"Ummm" Dawn answered not sure how to explain to these people the
memories that were growing more detailed by the second and coming a
lot faster than the first few. How did she tell people that she
wasn't even born in this dimension but was. Heck it even confused
her. So far the only thing that she was sure of was that Faith and
the others were here because of her and that Riley was a part of why.

Dawn looked towards her soul sister seeking help and guidance.

Faith stared at her for a minute before looking at the others trying
to decide who would be more perseptive to her. She looked at each
one dismissing them as soon as she laid eyes on them knowing that
their attitude would be hostile, She didn't really feel like getting
into a fight with the scoob at the moment. What with the moon rising
in the next two hours and the fact that there was still an exiled
god after her little sister because of some idiot monks. Too much
information was running through her head at the moment that she
didn't think any thing would clear it.

"Ffrraithhhh?" Selena asked quietly behind her, her and Sar'ah
placing a reasuring hand on her back which she instantly leaned
into, seeking the comfort of her pack if she couldn't find it in her
unclaimed mate. It was when she felt that the sun had reached the
horizon that she interrupted the scoobs from their interrogation of
her and Dawn.

"Ummm as facinating as this little inqusition is there is a small
problem that unless you have a few tranq guns will be a lot more
scarier than little old me." Faith said slowly sitting up straight
feeling the change, silently hoping that she will be able to hold it
off for a few minutes.

"Oh, and what just that be Faith." Willow sneered.

"Willow, I really don't think you should antagonize her right now, as
a matter a fact I'd suggest running." Dawn supplied from where she
was getting up from the table and walking slowly backwards towards
the training room keeping her eyes on Faith, Selena, and Sar'ah, all
who were breathing heavily.

"Faith?" Buffy asked concern filling her voice as she stared at her
sister slayer who had started to sweat profusly.

"B, I'd suggest.... you..... run." Faith spoke through clenched
pointed teeth, looking up at her love as her eyes glowed yellow, her
voice even more husky and smoke filled as she spoke. It was the full
moon tonight and Faith felt like she couldn't even control what was
going to happen, the only thing she could do was warn her love
before it was too late Selena and Sar'ah already half way changed
withering on the floor as the pain riddled their bodies.

Anya who was dragging Xander by the arm to where Dawn was heading
ignored his protests and questions he was asking about what was
happening. Willow and Tara following behind them, both sensing the
power that was coming off the three weres, Giles right behind them
seeing what was really going on and cursing himself for forgetting
to unpack the tranqulizer gun. Buffy was the last to get up and
follow the others that was at least what they thought.

Following them to the door Buffy against her better judgement
grabbed the knob to the door and closed it locking it from the
outside. Turning around when she heard growling from the other end
of the store, she stared at Faith and the others now in full form.

*****

She sat by the stairs of the magic shop watching her blond haired
goddess. She knew no fear nor could she smell aprehension coming
from the blond warrior. Her kin was behind her watching also,
waiting. For what she had no clue, she didn't think that they knew
what either. She heard the click of the door being locked and
watched as her one turned. The only thought going through her head
was one word. Mine.

Stalking over while her kin explored this new place that they found
themselves in, She held her head high as was per her station,
smelling the air she could smell her perfume and feel it intoxicate
her. She paused a foot in front of her and stared in front of her
staring into the sea green eyes that hunted her dreams.

*****

Buffy watched as the panther came closer, she assumed it was Faith
due to the way it looked close enough to an actually panther and not
like any were that she had ever saw. Bending down to its head level
she stared into its unwavering golden eyes, not knowing what was
going to happen. Ingnoring the pounding and shouts that were coming
from the door behind her, Buffy reached out to touch the animal,
expecting to get bit. Instead what she got surprisingly brought a
smile upon her face and a shiver to run down her spine.

*****

She watched as her golden one reached out a hand and laid it on the
side of her face, closing her eyes as she felt a tingle go through
her body, she let out a deep resonating purr that had started from
deep within her chest. Bending her head down and towards the hand
that touched her, she gave it a kiss.

Faith felt as if she was watching this from afar, she didn't know
what was going on, she just knew that what ever it was, was giving
her control back. She felt a new type of energy coursing through her
being and somehow it was enough to give her control and allow her to
change back.

The first word out of her mouth as she returned to her human form
was "Mine" right before she grabbed the back of Buffy's head and
crushed the blond's lips to hers in a passionate kiss that left them
both breathless.

Breaking the kiss, Buffy looked into Faith's eyes and before bringing
her into another hungry, passionate breathtaking kiss she said the
one word that Faith didn't think she would ever hear the blond say to
her "Yours."

Thinking that this was it and that they would finally get their
chance, they were thrown apart by a gust of air powered by magic.

Faith looked up and into the completely black eyes of

Willow.

PART 15: Goddess

Like Willow, Faith's eyes turned completely black as hair covered
her entire body. A deep resonating growl escaped from her throat as
she took in the threat. Standing full up right Faith saw but didn't
react as Sar'ah flew towards the red witch only to be turned into a
kitten. Selena seeing this was the next one to attack. Raising her
hand Faith conjured a wall stopping Selena mid air and putting her
down. She heard her sisters growl and sympathised with her but could
do nothing about it. This was not what she wanted. This was not the
reason she had come here for.

"Willow! No!" Tara yelled as she watched what was going around her.
She couldn't believe what was happening. Tara knew that Willow was
powerful but not this powerful. It hadn't been until Tara saw
Willow's eyes that she knew it wasn't her Willow, but a black magick
possessed Willow. She didn't know what to do any other person she
could stop with a simple prayer to the goddess and a quick binding
spell but this was Willow. Her Willow. She was at a crossroads. She
watched as Willow turned one of the likens into a kitten and was
about to give the same fate to the other one. Thankfully before that
could happen Faith had errected a barrier keeping Selena back.

Buffy stared in amazement at what was going on. She was too shocked
to react at first but with Faith and Willow challenging each other
like this she felt that she had to do something. Hearing Willow
chant she rushed forward to tackle her, only to be stopped by Willow's
hand.

"Omnis curla tre. Take mine enemy away from me." Willow chanted
throwing her hand out towards Faith, the power flowing from her hand
seemed a mix stream of black and green.

Faith stood there watching it come to her knowing that if she braced
herself at just the right moment it wouldn't affect her in any
permanent way. Of the six years that she had been in Xairna she had
learned a lot about magick and of how much damage she could take,
and still be able to stand up fighting. About how much power she
personally had. She had also learned that the panther had always
been inside her; even though Willow may be powerful she wasn't strong
enough to take down a high priestess like Faith.

Dawn pushed her way through Xander who was trying to hold her back
while still rooting for Willow to take down Faith. She had to see
what was going on. Having enough from Xander, Dawn took a page from
Faith's book, bringing her foot up she slammed her heel down on his
instep, grabbing his head as he bent down she brought her knee up
slamming it into his face knocking him out and breaking his nose.
Though she hoped that she didn't. Running for the door, she pushed
Anya back as soon as the ex-demon tried to grab her. Dawn got to the
door just in time to see the blast hit Faith and cosume her.

"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! FAITH!!!!!!!!!" Wanting to rush to her, Dawn
hadn't anticipated Giles grabbing her around the waist preventing her
from coming any closer towards the blast.
"FAITH!!!!! Let go, Faith!!!!" hitting Giles didn't help she could
only watch with tears in her eyes as the light got bigger, 'she
didnt even scream' she thought as more tears fell down.

Everything seemed to start moving in slow motion. Buffy could only
watch as the love of her life was consumed by a magickal blast, her
sister trying to fight Giles to let her go as it got stronger tears
falling from her face, screaming trying to get to Faith. Willow with
her black eyes floating down from where she was levitating, Tara
falling to her knees as she stared at the devastation that was
happening in front of her. Buffy's eyes were shifting from what was
happening around her to the light that was still getting bigger and
brighter. In fact it was getting so bright that she had to sheild
her eyes from the glare.

*****

Faith had braced herself a second before the blast had hit her. She
used the time before to channel her energy enough to where she would
be able to absorb the blast. She had done it only once before, a
year ago. It had almost killed her cause the power that she had
gathered by absorbing that blast gave her too much power. She took
out the surrounding forest and abandoned village located a mile
away just releasing it as well as destroying the warlock hunter that
had tried to kill her.

As it hit her Faith felt the grief, betrayal, worry, and anger that
had transported itself from Willow to the blast that she had shot
out at her. It was almost too much for her to bare. It was so
wrought with feeling that it brought Faith to her knees. Grimicing
through the pain Faith absorbed most of it, adding her own fire to
the mix. Tears were streaming down her face, when she heard Dawn
heart wrenching cry for her, she just couldn't take it. Reaching down
inside her asking for the slayer within to help her eyes were no
longer black but a deep dark brown, green and yellow flecks flashing
as slayer, animal and Faith the girl combined into one being.
Turning the dark greenish light into a bright pure white light
taking away all the negative that was collected in to it and
latching on to only the good. Instead of the cold that she had first
felt, she felt warmth surrounding her, caressing her skin like a
baby blanket. She could feel love and joy, happiness and ecstasy all
in one surrounding her. The hair on her body receded, her flesh
became smooth and glowed as if she had been touched by something
holy. The hair on her head grew longer, wavier and seemed to weave
around her as a if it were a blanket. As she rose from the ground she
allowed the light to fill and surround her. As it got brighter to
almost blinding, she could feel all those around her. Could feel the
devastation, the pain, the sadness that the world had to offer. She
felt the joys, the happiness, and the love that was within the
world. She was exhalted, connected to the world like no other
person, she could feel cloth cover her body, shelter her. It was in
that moment that she knew her destiny what she was here to do. What
needed to happen. And it saddened her, it made her feel such sorrow
that she knew only one way to express it.

The light grew brighter and larger touching everyone in the shop,
even Willow. Feelings of love, warmth and joy filled everyone in the
shop. Casting out all the black magick that had stain Willow soul.
Casting out the fears and sorrow that filled all that were near her.

"Oh, Goddess." Tara murmered still on her knees crying only this
time they were tears of joy.

Giles had put Dawn down a while ago staring in awe at what was
happening before them. Buffy stood there with her sister by her side
both staring at the light receding before them. Willow who was
also crying had moved over to Tara and was holding her as her lover
cried with her. In her head she was thinking 'wow'.

Xander was staring from the spot on the floor, no longer knowing
why he had felt such hate earlier. Looking up at his soon to be
fiance, tears also appeared in his eyes as he thought of the love
that he felt for this woman. Anya who had been staring at the light
with a hand over her heart, a single tear slipping from her eye as
the light disappeared and there stood a woman, Faith. Whispered
under her breath "A Goddess is born."

PART 16: After Effects

Author's Notes: This chapter is dedicated to Wicked for giving me a poke in the
side and getting my ass in gear I hope you all like and feel free
to poke me anytime. ;)

Faith landed on her feet when the light dissipated. She felt so
renewed, like she had been born again. There was new power coursing
through her veins. She had no memory, no thought, but did. Hearing a
mewling off to her side Faith turned to face the small kitten.
Picking it up she held it in her hands, giving it a kiss on the nose
she turned and tossed it to the floor.

As soon as Sar'ah had hit the floor she was already transformed to
her adult self. Running to Selena as the both embraced each other
giving off purrs of pleasure. Faith then turned only to be tackled
by Dawn who after head butting him had finally gotten out of Giles
arms.

Dawn just couldn't believe it Faith was alive. She had thought the
worse possible outcome but here she was hugging her "sister" as if
it were the first and last time that they would ever see each
other. "Fa..ith?" Dawn sniffled, checking to be sure.

"Dra mo'a Dawn, dra mo'a." (It's me Dawn, it's me.)

That proclamation just made Dawn cry harder. She was just so happy.
The Scooby gang was quiet watching the interaction before them. It was
then however that Anya's words got through to them. Though they had
heard them they didn't truly register until that moment.

"Goddess?!?!" Everyone but Giles, Anya, and the still two panthers
had exclaimed.

Giles was just pinching the bridge of his nose trying to stop it
from bleeding looking very much like an annoyed Englishman should.
Silently he was thinking 'Bloody hell, that girl's got a hard head';
not even paying that much attention of what was going on or at that
moment caring.

Anya had a smug look about her face, acting like she knew what would
happen and that she was once again superior over everyone else. It
looked kinda like the expression she gets when she thinks about her
demon days.

Tara was trying to comfort Willow as her redheaded lover cried in
her arms, her own silent tears joining those of Willow's as she
thanked the goddess that Faith was alright. Not the least bit
shocked over Anya's revelation. It made perfect sense to her, though
that could be because of the power that she had sensed coming off of
Faith.

Willow felt so much guilt running through her that she couldn't do
anything but cry and laugh a little at Xander's impersonation of a
gold fish that he was currently practicing. She was a little shocked
but not overly much over the turn of events. She was just happy that
there was no more rage within her and the fact that she hadn't felt
this free since she performed her first dark arts spell.

Xander was standing there next to his love staring agog at Faith
who was standing there in tight black leathers a top that was the
purest white he had ever seen with black lining. He thought she was
hot when they were younger; clearly there was no such thing as hot.
He was simply dumb struck only coming out of his stupor when Anya
hit him in the chest. 'Really hard' he thought as he shot her
a 'what was that for' look.

"It's not nice to stare at the hot goddess when I'm right here for
you to fantasize about." Anya harrumphed as she shot him a glare
before turning back to the scene in front of her.

Buffy was staring at Faith and Dawn not quite believing what she
was seeing, but she could feel it. In her heart to her very soul she
could feel that Faith was no longer a slayer but something more. Her
slayer senses were going off like they did when Glory was kicking
her ass, but it was a lot stronger, more powerful. She could feel
the single tear that was the last but not least of the thousand
tears that she has cried in the past twenty four hours. Stepping
forward she silently called to her love. Breaking into a run when
Faith looked up at her.

When Faith looked up, hearing the call of her soul mate she broke
the hug that she and Dawn were sharing. Catching Buffy as her love
ran to her felt tears of joy escape her as Buffy threw her arms
around Faith's neck, jumping up and wrapping her legs around Faith's
waist. Kissing each other as if it had been an eternity since they
had seen each other only to break apart when oxygen became an issue.

Buffy was so happy, she didn't care that she was being starred at or
in Xander's case gawked out nothing was going to ruin this moment.
She didn't even care that Faith was setting her slayer sense off
like nothing before. The only thing that she knew was that her love
was alive and that she need her now in every way possible or so help
her she would explode; and not in the pleasant way.

Faith feeling Buffy's relief and need for her kissed her one last
time before she teleported them out of there all the while groaning
and growling with need herself. She knew now that Buffy loved her
and she felt the need to show her right then and there what Buffy
meant to her, screw what the scoobs or Giles thought of her. But she
knew that no matter what Buffy wouldn't want that so with and
aroused growl in her throat she teleported them out of the magick
shop and straight to 1630 Revello Drive.

The two panthers for their part were just starting to change back to
their human form as the sun started rising. Selena was the first to
speak as she came to seeing her queen teleport out of there she
figure through her animal memories what had happened. A huge smile
came over her face as she heard her lover, wife, and soul mate wake
up and ask where Faith was. Turning she gave Sar'ah a kiss on the
lips that left her lover and herself breathless and purring in
arousal, resting her forehead against her wife's who was breathing
as heavy as she was she said one word before kissing Sar'ah again in
the same manner as before. "Kragdon."

PART 17

Buffy jumped off of Faith as soon as she noticed that they were in
front of her house. Giving her a last peck on the mouth, Buffy took
Faith's hand leading her love into the house, up the stairs and
straight into her bedroom.

Faith being the last one in the door turned to close it only to be
turned back around and shoved against it finding Buffy's mouth on her
own, taking her breath away.

Buffy pulled back to regain oxygen and to look into Faith's eyes.
Seeing the love and lust that was there burning just as bright as it
was in hers, she pulled Faith to her in another kiss. This one
sweeter and softer than the last one. Groaning when she felt Faith's
tongue pass over her bottom lip asking for permission to enter.
Opening her mouth the kiss deepened into something that was almost
animalistic. It was soft and rough with the added lip bite all at
the same time. Both of them growling and purring in the pleasure
that that simple act gave them.

Buffy could feel the wetness in her panties grow more pronounced as
her arousal grew with the kiss and caresses that Faith was doing to
her body. Feeling Faith's thumbs briefly pass over her nipples made
Buffy moan into Faith's mouth which made Faith herself moan with
pleasure; knowing that what she was doing was giving Buffy pleasure
made Faith want to continue with what she was currently doing.

Walking forward, subtly pushing Buffy back towards the bed Faith
using her finger tips and feather light touches move down Buffy's arm
and clasping her hand with Buffy's gave that final push both fell
onto the bed giggling and kissing. They were both too caught up in
what they were doing that they didn't notice the spark of electricity
that passed through both their bodies. Neither did they notice the
pair of eyes that was staring at them through the window as they
fell.

**Outside**

Smiling to herself the figure in the tree hopped down and started
walking towards the street. Raising her palm she made a slashing
motion in the air; tearing through the dimensional walls and opening
a portal to her home dimension, the girl paused. Turning her head,
looking back at the house, she whispered to herself and to the
Chosen two "Good Luck" before both she and the portal disappeared.

**Buffy's Bedroom**

Pulling back, breaking from the kiss Faith looked deeply into
Buffy's now emerald eyes. Thinking silently to herself that if she
could freeze time she would choose this moment in time to stop just
to relive it over and over again.

Bending her head down Faith kissed her again this time making it as
sweet as possible just to prolong it if anything else. She realized
that it wasn't about rushing anymore. It was about them and who they
both are when they are in each others presence. It was about pain,
passion, love and above all else heart. When oxygen became an issue
again, both Faith and Buffy pulled away, bring in her hand up,
cupping Buffy's face, stroking her cheek with her thumb Faith
asked "Can I keep you? Forever?"

Her breath hitching at the question, BUffy starred up at Faith,
seeing the vulnerability there she knew that there was only one
answer that she could possibly give. Reaching up she cupped the back
of Faith's head pulling her to her for another kiss. Moving her hand
down Faith's body along her back and sides, until reaching the hem of
her shirt. Tugging at it trying to move it up and off. Pushing
herself up onto her elbows making Faith move with her not breaking
the kiss she started to lift the shirt off altogether separating
only when it was neccessary.

Faith sitting on her knees and hills repeated the action, taking
Buffy's shirt off before returning to the kiss. Feeling her bare skin
touching with that of Buffy's made her groan with pleasure both
internally and outwardly. Reaching around Faith unhooked Buffy's bra
as she felt Buffy reach for the buckle of her belt.

Resting her forehead against Buffy's as she heard the zipper of her
pants go down and the feel of Buffy's hand slipping inside the small
space there and cupping her sex, Faith purred out her feelings and
growled in pleasure. She could feel the part of her that was still
animal/Slayer coming out to play making her already obsidian eyes
turn completely black to where they took an almost blue hue. Reaching
down she put both of her hands on the top of Buffy's sweat pants,
looking up in to Buffy's Dark Emerald eyes asking for permission.
Seeing the answer in her eyes and the desire, Faith literally tore
away Buffy's sweat pants from the body that it was concealing.
Looking down at the apex of her legs she saw that Buffy's panties
were not only white but completely see through. Faith could see the
wetness that had spread out of Buffy. Looking down at her object of
desire Faith unconciously licked her lips, moving her hips as she
felt Buffy pulling her leather pants and silk panties down and off
of her.

Bringing Faith back down into a kiss Buffy brought her hand back
down to Faith, stroking the outside and around Faith's pussy feeling
and playing with the wetness there. Feeling Faith gasp as her finger
slipped inside of her and brushed against her clit, Buffy smiled as
Faith pulled away to look at her licking her lips. Her hands running
up and down Faith's back as she felt her love move to her neck, her
shoulder, and then down to "Oh God.. Faith... yeah" capture her
right nipple giving it a tentative lick. Buffy's breasts had always
been ultra sensitive, even before she had become a slayer they had
been like this; but with Faith it was different. For every flick of
the tongue Buffy felt as if her entire body would catch fire and all
of it would travel down to her pussy.

Faith was enjoying herself switching from one breast to the other,
kissing around the areola, teasing but not yet pleasuring until she
would hear Buffy ask her to. Taking the nubbin in her mouth she used
the flat of her tongue licking the length of it then circling. Then
she would bite down gently earning herself a few gasps and sighs.
She could smell Buffy's arousal, it was pure intoxication. The
feeling of Buffy's hands in her hair encouraging her, wanting her to
stay where she was Faith knew that if she was going to do this
properly she needed to move.

Stradling Buffy's leg Faith pressed her sex down on to Buffy's thigh
groaning at the sensation that the contact had caused throughout
her body. Placing her hand on Buffy's panties, closing her eyes
wishing and when she opened them the silk underware was gone.
Running her hand along the length of Buffy's sex she purred/growled
as she felt Buffy's body arch into hers. Smiling she laid her body
down on top of Buffy's positioning herself to where her thigh would
be pressed into Buffy's heated sex. Both groaning as they felt it.

"Huu.. god .. Faith."

"...Buffy..."

Raising her leg to give Faith some leverage both started to grind
their hips into both of each other. Feeling each others wetness
making them grind and pump harder and harder.

"...yes... Buffy..."

"Uhh...mmm...Faith...yes."

Both kissing on the lips as they both started to feel the tension
and fire in their belly grow even stronger. Knowing that the end was
near and wanting to prolong what was happening Faith moved to where
both her and Buffy sex were touching.

"God... Faith.."

Spreading both her and Buffy open she laid down so that their clits
were touching.

"...B..."

Making a circling motion Faith alternated clockwise to
counterclockwise starting out going slow with rotating her hips
groaning, both of their moaning got louder as Buffy met Faith thrust
for thrust, moaning and groaning as Faith speed up their jointed
movement.

"...B...Buffy...yes..right there.. so close baby" Faith groaned out
through teeth that were partially clenched as she felt her orgasm
approaching.

"..Faith...god Faith..yes...harder..there..so close.." Faith
answered in turn as her hips met Faith's, one hand keeping Faith's
skin touching hers and the other gripping the sheets tight enough to
tore them apart.

As both of their climaxes approached a bright light started to glow
off of their bodies growing the closer they got to release in
intensity. Biting down on the knob of Buffy's collar bone as Buffy
bit into her shoulder; crying out each others names as they came.

"...FAITH.."

"..BUFFY..."

The light consuming them and the room as their orgasms tore through
their bodies, exploding within them spreading the light even further
to where it consumed the whole house including anybody who happened
to be in it.

*****

Dawn who had been coming home from the magick box, she had stayed a
little longer to talk with Sar'ah and Selena getting the info on
what had been happening Xairna since she had left. She was so
raptured in the stories that they were telling her that she almost
didn't notice that the sun was starting to set. She was about to walk
home by herself, and was about to leave but she was accosted into
bringing Willow and Tara with her just for protection when she
refused the ride that Giles had offered.

Remembering the near argument that was going to happen when Sar'ah
and Selena volenteered to drop her off at home, she rolled her eyes
and then smiled as it was Tara who had suggested a compromise. They
would all walk Dawn home and Giles would follow in his car while
Anya locked up. Which meant of course that Xander had to stay behind
with Anya or else she would have a cow.

Shaking her head Dawn put the key into the door; unlocking and
pushing the door open, Dawn, most of the scooby gang, and Two
Pantherians walked into the house. To be hit by an energy blast,
making them weak in the knees as it passed through them, taking
their breath away. When it went away Dawn had a hand over her heart
feeling it pounding so strongly in her chest she had no idea what
the heck it was but whatever it was it wasn't unpleasant. She had
never felt any thing like that. Turning around to ask what was that
and if she was the only one who felt it. Seeing sly, satisfied smirk
on both Sar'ah, Selena, and Tara's face she thought about the last
time she had seen them smile like that; then it hit her. Her eyes
going wide she turned her head towards the stairs then back to the
rest of the group who were still smiling, except for Willow who was
too busy blushing so hard that her face matched her hair. And Giles
who had just run inside asking if everything was alright. Looking at
him Dawn started to blush as hard as Willow, then she started to
giggle, which made everyone else but Giles giggle and laugh too.

"What, what's so funny?" Giles asked confused, when he didn't get an
answer. He started to get frustrated, demanding; "What the bloody
hell is so funny?"

It was Tara who took pity on him, whispering in his ear what had
happened when they had come into the house. Blushing as she backed
away from him and then turning to Willow who was still giggling with
Dawn.

His eyes widening as he heard what Tara had told him, took his
glasses off and started to vigerously clean them, poping out the
lenses by accident. Saying simply "Oh. Bloody hell" which got him
even more giggling from a certain redhead and brunette, even a small
one from the rest who were there.

Taking a page out of Buffy's book Giles rolled his eyes stating "Come
now children it's not that funny. Sighing, Giles looked at Dawn
"come on Dawn why don't you go upstair and grab a change of clothes,
if you'd like you can spend the night in my guest room."

Nodding her head she snuck upstairs grabbed a bag, a few change of
clothes then headed back down to where Giles and the rest were
waiting. Leaving Dawn looked back at the house then with one last
giggle they were off.

*****

Faith laying on top of Buffy was about to move off when she woke up
but was stopped by Buffy asking her "Stay. Stay with me. Forever."

Faith's answer was a kiss to her love lips and the mark that she had
made claiming Buffy as her mate. Lying back down Faith and Buffy
fell back asleep in each others arms.

PART 18

Notes: Morgain and Morgan are the same person, just so you know.

**Morgain**

Walking through the mists had always gotten to her when she was a
little girl. She used to think that they were a gift from the
goddess that would hide her from the world and the evil that it
possessed. She had later found out that they weren't a gift but the
worst curse that could ever be imagined. They surrounded her, cut
her, at time lost her within themselves. She remembers how her
mother used to laugh at her and how she talked as if they were
alive. How her mother used to say "Honestly Morgain, you talk as if
the mists can hear you, they aren't alive child" with a roll of her
eyes.

No one believed me, only Merlin really believed. He would tell me
that I had a gift that most don't and can't comprehend. I had the
sight he would say, he would take me along with him and my brother
Arthur when he would teach us of the old ways. I was easily
distracted then, alway listening to what others could not hear.

One day as I was walking, wondering off away from the lesson I heard
such a sound I thought it was a dream. It was then that I learned of
my destiny, of how I would betray my brother, how I would bring my
home and land to ruin, how I would be the one who controlled the
mists from now to the end of days. It was the mists that showed me
all of this and then was confirmed by the oracles. They told me that
my ruin would bring about the greatest triumph. That I will have a
great daughter one day who will know love and hate, good and evil.
They called her Kragdon. I called her Faith.

*****

**Kingmans Bluff**

The sun rose quietly bringing with it the knowledge of millions of
years of wisdom. Standing on a cliff stood a woman, whose long
flowing hair framed her body as the wind ran its fingers through its
waves; wearing a long flowing blue gown. The mysterious woman's face
turned up towards the sun, her eyes closed it was almost as if she
could hear the rising sun's voice like it was speaking to her of the
coming dark and of what it had seen before the end of days
approached.

Standing a little ways behind her was a tall and dark man. His eyes
glued to the woman in front of him wondering to himself what made
his wife compelled to do this every morning that they came down and
visited the mortal coil. Though he would never admit it to anyone it
was moments like these that had made him fall in love with her.
Shaking his head at the thought he called out to her to get her
attention.

"Morgan?..."

Turning her head towards her leather clad husband she gave him an
inquiring look before turning her face back to the sun that was
almost fully risen saying a silent good bye before she turned and
faced her mate completely.

"Yes husband?" she asked running up and giving him a kiss on the
cheek and putting her hand in his. "You called for me?"

"Yes, my love I did indeed. I believe that it is time to go after
all it is an occassion to be remembered like all wars and family
reunions no?" Ares subtly reminded his wife of the upcoming
appointment that they need to keep.

Looking up, a little disappointed, she reminded her husband "Ares I
have already seen her and her mate, they seem happy and I have given
them my blessings why can't we just leave them alone?"

"Because my dear I have yet to meet this so-called mate of my
daughter's and while you may have given your blessing on their union
I have not and I have no intention on doing so until I see and speak
with both of them myself!" Ares said speaking in a calm voice,
though the electrical storm that had slowly been gathering behind
him revealed his fury and rage a being left out of the loop this
time.

Giving his hand a slight squeeze she felt his rage slowly dissipate
and though she knew it didn't completely disappear she knew that he
would remain calm if just for a little while. And that was enough,
slowly the couple turned as a shroud of mist surrounded them
sweeping them away and to their intended destination.

1630 Revello Drive.

*****

**Buffy's Bedroom**

Faith woke before Buffy, she was up in fact before the sun had
risen. She just had this feeling within her that she needed to be up
and dressed. She was tempted to wake B up but just couldn't bring
herself to do it. The expression on her love face was just so
peaceful and happy she just couldn't bring herself to disturb her
dreams. The thought of shattering that look made Faith's heart feel
as if it would break.

Placing a kiss on her mate's forehead, lips and finally the mark that
will stay forever, she, with a feeling of almost pain, disentangled
from the warm haven that was Buffy's arms and body. Flushing
slightly as she stood and turned to only be faced with a naked
sleeping Buffy. Tilting her head Faith absentmindedly licked her
lips at the sight. Shaking her head, Faith reached down and brought
the down comforter up covering her B's nakedness, before guest
started to arrive.

She didn't fully understand it, the power that now coursed through
her veins made her feel as if she had control of everything around
her and yet no control at all; as if she was falling and flying at
the same time. It was confusing and exhilarating all at once as
Faith made her way downstairs wrapping a robe around herself
covering her nakedness. She didn't even know where the robe had come
from she had just thought about one half way down the hall and there
it was waiting for her on the banister of the stairs.

She figured now that the magic high was gone she would have expelled
all that energy like she always had but when she woke up she felt
fine not tired in the least. In fact she was so aroused when she
first woke up that she decided to continue with what she and Buffy
had started earlier in the day. That was how Buffy had found her at
1 in the morning. She had woke up on the verge of orgasm only to
look down and see a blanket of brunette hair and a bobbing head as
she felt Faith's tongue licking and fucking her, Faith capturing her
clit and sucking not sort at all but harder than Buffy thought
possible making her explode as Faith fingers replaced her tongue.
Faith smiled at the memory of bringing her love's soul to newer
heights multiple times, as she started cooking breakfast.

As the sun crept across the floor and in through the open window of
Buffy's bedroom, a figure under what looked like a ton of blankets
began to stir as the sun crept further in and penetrated the
darkness and dream filled mind of one miss Buffy Summers.

Buffy woke up to an empty bed, turning over she opened her eyes as
soon as her arm hit an empty indentation in her bed. Sitting up she
looked around her, looking for any type of sign that last night had
been a dream. When she saw the shreaded tattered clothes she let out
a breath that she didn't know she had been holding. It was then that
the smells of breakfast being made penetrated her senses that she
let out an even longer breath and a smile spread across her face.
Throwing the covers off her body she hopped out of bed, streching
she let the sun kiss and caress her body for a minute breathing in
deep as she took in the remaining smell of last nights events and
the lingering smell that was purely Faith that remained almost
permanent on her skin. Reaching for her robe she headed to the door,
covering herself she quickly headed down the stairs, through the
living room and straight to the kitchen door. There she was greeted
by the most beautiful sight she had ever seen in her life. Faith
in front of the stove clad only in a black and gold silk robe,
humming silently to herself.

A coy smile spread across both slayers faces as Buffy made her way
over to Faith and wrapped her arms around the dark slayer's waist
placing a lingering kiss on her dark lover's exposed shoulder.

"Morning" Buffy whispered into Faith's shoulder as she felt the dark
slayer shudder under the feel of both the feel of Buffy's body
pressed up against hers and the ear nibbling that Buffy was
currently doing to her.

"B..Buff...Buffy" Faith, turning around to face her love, groaned
out breathlessly as she felt the blonde slayer's hand start to travel
up and into her robe to her breasts. Faith could feel herself start
to get aroused and quickly to the point of no return just when the
door bell rang. Both slayers groaned and growled out their
disappointment as they separated from each other. Pecking Buffy on
the lips Faith placed the spatula in the blonde's hand she moved
around Buffy placing her love in front of the stove, she moved
toward the door where the unexpected was waiting but not before
fixing her robe and giving Buffy a pinch on the ass. Smiling at the
jump and shriek she got Faith walked out of the kitchen and went to
answer the front door which was being impatiently pounded on by who
ever was waiting out the door.

*****

**Outside 1630 Revello Dr.**

Ares and Morgan had arrived just as the sun was completely risen.
Morgan had a smile on her face as she watched her husband
practically run up the walk, she almost giggled and laughed outright
to his face when he turned realizing that she wasn't by his side and
came to drag her right along with him. Though she would never admit
it to his face, she thought that when he acted like this he reminded
her of a little boy she once knew who would always get so giddy at
the prospect of a trip outside the castle walls. But she would never
admit it no never to his face. Cause certainly the God of War never
got excited about a tiny prospect like visiting a girl who he had
only met once. A smile spread across her face as the temptation to
tease him got stronger as she looked at him impatiently fidgeting
in front of a mortal's door.

"Is the almightly God of War actually nervous" Morgan said with
amusement shining in her eyes and showing through her voice, when he
had asked her for the fifth time within the last two seconds why no
one was answering.

Her grin just got wider when her turned to glare at her pointing a
finger in her direction, just as he was about to open his mouth in
reply the door opened.

"Yeah?"

Ares turned around to the door his jaw hitting the floor as he took
in the sight of his little girl. Before anyone could respond he had
captured Faith into a bone crushing hug as tears started to well up
in his eyes. If any one had heard about this they wouldn't of
believed it, unless they saw it with their own eyes.

Placing a hand on her husband's shoulder she communicated for him to
let their daughter go. Knowing that Zues' punishment had hit him
harder than he had ever allowed himself to show and also feeling her
daughter's inner turmoil and panic as she was hugged.

Buffy having feel Faith panic slightly, turned the stove off and
went to see what was the matter. what she saw however was a man and
a woman both dark in complexion standing a little ways in the
doorway looking at her love who was standing a little ways away as
if she were the second coming.

"...Faith?..." Buffy asked a little uncertain and hesitantly knowing
the way Faith's body was coiled that she was in danger caution
mode and wasn't to be snuck up upon. She smile slightly when she saw
Faith's body relax at the sound of her voice.

When all eyes turned on her Buffy started to blush realizing her and
Faith's sorta undressed state, the slayer however taking precedent
over the situation felt that no matter how she was dressed her mate
needed her more right now. Coming up and standing at her side she
clasped Faith's hand and both faced the strangers. Faith and Buffy
taking notice at how the woman's smile grew bigger as she took in the
action that the blonde slayer had just done while the man's face
turned into a thinking cautionary frown.

"Can we help you" Buffy asked politely, though her slayer senses
were off the wall crazy right at that moment.

"Yes, we have just arrived in town and are here to visit our wayward
child." Morgan answered for her speechless husband.

"Oh and who might that be" Buffy asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Faith." Ares said though it was more growled out than anything else.

PART 19: Family Reunioun

Author's Notes: I was suddenly inspired. Enjoy. and please review. good or bad
in the words of the bad ass slayer herself. Give us a Kiss :-*, ;D. (j/k, my attempt at being sassy.)

Faith just stood there her mouth open a little. She had nothing to
say after that revelation, once her mind kicked into to drive the
first thing out of her mouth was a dry emotionless "ha". Closing the
door she turned and walked back into the kitchen where she could
smell the bacon burning.

Buffy looked on in shock as she watch her love completely close
herself off from herself, moving like a zombie into the kitchen to
she assumed finish breakfast. Before she could truly respond a
strong knock on the door knocked her out of her revelry, followed by
the door bell sounding. Opening the door she was pushed aside as the
man and woman who Faith had closed the door on walked inside and
started to head to where Faith was. Not really understanding what
was happening Buffy closed the door and meakly followed behind the
dark haired woman who now that the blond slayer looked almost
identical to Faith.

When she entered the kitchen she had arrived just in time to catch
the flying frying pan that was heading her way. She had assumed that
Faith had aimed it at the man who was now yelling at her. Looking
around she saw Faith's 'mother' who was sitting off to the side
watching what was happening with a sad neutral expression as if she
was waiting for something devastating to happen. Deciding to take a
page from the older brunette's book she moved over to where she was
and sat in the seat next to her and watched avidly as the man and
Faith starred at each other in a mexican standoff.

*****

By this time Ares was pissed. Not waiting for an invite he stomped
passed the shocked blonde who he could see was sporting his daughter
mark like some sort of trophy with her robe partially undone. He
could feel Morgan behind him, could feel her worry and sadness. But
he was beyond caring at this moment. For what felt like a millenia
he had been denied access, sight and touch to his only living
daughter and the one day that he finally gets that access not only
has she chosen a mate without his approval she had laughed and
slammed a door in his face. It was that last straw that had broken
the mold. Daughter or not she was going to listen to him or so help
him Zeus heads were going to fly preferably the mates and then who
ever else was within a hundred mile radius.

As soon as he enter the kitchen that his daughter had entered he
exploded. He had been so full of anger that he couldn't hold back no
longer. In his best god voice he called his daughter to the
metaphorical carpet.

"Francesca Faith Lehane Pendragon, How Dare You Act With Such
Insolence To Your Mother And I. You Will Apologize This Instant OR
So Help Me Blood Of Mine Or Not I Will Send You To Tartrus Along
With That Slut You Call A Mate And Leave You There. Do You
Understand Me."

He had only a fraction of a second to sense and duck the pots and
pans that Faith started thowing at him. He could here his wife now
telling him how she had his short fuse temper and passion for
violence the one time that she had been granted a visitation right
in another body, who as it turned out was a temporary loan. He had
forgotten that little detail and was reminded of it quickly when a
jar of jam hit him in the head and shattered.

After a few moments of nothing being thrown at him Ares guessed that
she had run out of ammo. Standing up he found that she hadn't in fact
run out of ammo but was waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
Seeing the sinister and cunning smirk that was spread across her
face holding a blender in her hand made him freeze as he was
momentarily reminded of himself when he was younger and full of
passion, confidence and arrogance. He always had the same smirk that
she had on just as one of his warlords striked down an enemy or
martyr. His eyes widening as she threw the blender, her smirk
widening the gleam in her eyes brightening as it hit him a small
smile spread across his face as a fleeting thought ran through his
head before he hit the ground. "Yep definitely my daughter alright."

*****

Morgan stood to the side watching the proceedings with a cautious
eye. she had just entered the kitchen when Ares had started his
rant. Flinching when she heard him call their daughter's mate a slut
she could only hope that Faith had learned to control her anger
better than when she did when she was younger. Looking up into her
daughter's eyes she saw the fire flare and knew that she hadn't just
surpressed it and Ares had just opened the gate to a fury that could
rival his on his best day. Though she didn't know how Faith would
strike she knew that it would be fast and hard.

Sitting down just in time to watch the first projectal fly, just as
the blond had walked in to catch it. She smiled to herself at the
semi amused expression on the blond face as she evaluated the
situation before her, finally deciding that it would be safer to
take the lead that Morgan had. Silently thinking to herself "I knew
I liked that girl for a reason." She went back to watching the
proceedings that were happening before her. It was when Faith had hit
him with a jar of strawberry jelly that she was reminded of that
time that Ares had accidentally crashed a baci party and landed in
the pot of demon and human entrails when he had first started
courting her. Placing a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing
out loud.

Seeing Buffy looking at her with a questioning expression on her
face she quietly explained to the blonde slayer why it was so funny
getting again the raised eyebrow from the blonde she just rolled her
eyes and turned back to the show just in time to see Ares get hit in
the head with a blender. She just couldn't hold it any longer.
Bursting out laughing she slipped off the chair holding her sides
she was laughing so hard.

Recovering slightly she laid on the floor regaining her breathe she
looked up to find Faith staring down at her with a raised eyebrow
and an amused expression on her face. holding out a hand for Morgan
to use as leverage to help her off the ground. Accepting the help up
with a thank you, she was pulled fully up to her feet. However when
she was pulled up completely she was standing flush against her
daughter who was looking intensely in her eye. Brown staring at blue
Faith answered...

"You're welcome....Claire."

Morgan's eyes widened as she realized a little too late the
connection that her daughter had made before she was pushed away
back to the ground. With silent tears in her eyes she looked up to
find Faith gone and Buffy nowhere to be found, the only thing that
signified that they had been there was the lingering scent and the
thin layer of mist that surrounded her and her husband's body. The
fact that the mist literally chilled her to her bone told her how
deeply she had hurt her daughter. The pain alone that she felt
through the mist made her ribs hurt, that as soon as it was there it
was gone, leaving her no trail as to where they had gone.

Crawling over to wake her husband she said one sentence before she
let the mists surround them both...

"She Knows!"

PART 20: Answers and Explanations

Author's Notes: This is dedicated to my muse, who has inspired me greatly. Just
a forwarning it gets a little NC-17 in this chapter and yeah.

"Faith?"

"Yeah?"

"Where are we?" Buffy asked as she starred out into the great expanse
that was before them.

"Don't really know, England I think." As if on cue a clock chimed the
hour out, their surroundings become more aparent and voices sounded
as people pushed past them with out even looking in their direction.

Buffy started to freak when she saw the crowd of milling people
appear before her eyes. Looking down at herself as she had
remembered that she was in nothing but a robe when she and Faith had
left. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the jeans and shirt
adorning her body. Looking over at Faith, Buffy got a confused
expression on her face.

"Why are we in England Fai?" she asked.

Faith looked behind her straight into Buffy's eyes saying one word
before turning back and striding off with the blond slayer following
her. "Answers."

B: "What?"

"Hurry up!" Faith shouted behind her, quickening her pace as she got
closer to a building in the distance.

"Faith, wait up, what answers?"

Faith didn't even answer, instead she paused waiting for Buffy to get
close enough, grabbing the blond's wrist she took a step forward,
seeming to move at the speed of light, she arrived at the door step
of the one person that both slayers hated the most. Mr. Quentin
Travers.

Not one for formalities in the least, especially now that she had
ascended, Faith threw her palm to the door, knocking it off its
hinges and down, tightening her grip on her mate's wrist, she moved
forward breaking through the paltry wards that had been placed in
certain areas of the house and setting alarms off through the house.
Faith had no time for them, instead she blocked them out as she
barged right in to Quentin's office who as she had suspected had
been waiting for her for this exact moment.

He had his jacket off and his hands were behind his back. Though his
demeanor was calm both Buffy and Faith could smell the fear that was
raidiating off of him. A small growl came from Faith as she smelled
the dried blood that was like a natural part of this man physiologly.

"Ms. Summers, Ms. Le... Faith," Quentin quickly corrected when he
heard the growl that came from the brunette and the blonde who was
standing slightly behind the taller of the duo, "what an unsuspected
surpri..." he continued only to be cut off by Faith.

"Cut the crap Travers. I want answers and now."

"Faith what the hell are we doing here?" Buffy asked seething at the
look of contempt and hatred that Quentin was directing Faith's way as
if she were some sort of abnormality, nothing more than another
demon.

Faith didn't take her eyes off Travers, her eyes narrowing even more
as she answered Buffy's question "I saw my watcher today, the one
who I watch die at the hands of that bastard Kakistos."

"What?" Buffy asked, disbelief filling her "where, when, who?" was
followed after that, as shock replaced the disbelief, which was
followed by sadness. She knew that if she had a chance to see Merick
alive and well just once after he had died she would think she was
going crazy and would want answers also.

Quentin didn't deny knowing either simply saying with a sneer "and
how is Claire, still immortal?"

"What!?!" It was Buffy who exploded at that moment outrage replacing
all the emotions and stupor she had found herself momentarily caught
in. "You mean you knew that her watcher was alive and immortal and
all this time you let her think that she was dead!?! You bastard."
Buffy pushed pass Faith and was about to throw herself across the
desk to get at Quentin and forget what it meant to be a slayer for
five hopefully long blissful minutes beating the crap out of the
head of the watchers council. She was so enraged that she failed to
notice that Quentin had revealed what was hiding behing his back,
when she did it was too late. He had already fired, expecting to
feel pain and blood she was slightly surprised to feel perfectly
fine aside from her muscles tensing. Opening her eyes that she had
shut tightly when she noticed the gun Quentin had pulled on her,
what she saw instead gave her a small shiver of fear and happiness.
There standing a few feet in front of her was Quentin pressed
against the wall the gun on the floor a few feet in front of him,
clawing at a hand that was connected to Faith who; Buffy's eyes
widened when she noticed the trail of blood that was flowing from
her shoulder, down her side and to the floor.

Faith was holding Quentin there against the wall feeling his life
slip from her and was reminded the reason that she was known as the
psycho slayer, the Dark One. A sinister, evil smile spread across
Faith's face as she felt the rising panic and the smell of pee
permitted the air around her. Looking down she chuckled when she saw
the dark wet spot that was spreading down the length of Travers
pants. Feeling him now only half heartily claw at her hands Faith
looked directly in his eyes, making sure she held back nothing, she
saw his eyes widening in fear and knew that he saw who she truly was
and that smug self confident smirk that he usually wore was nowhere
in sight. Distantly she heard the crash of thunder, felt the flash
of lightning as it were scorching her skin and feeding her anger. It
was almost like a caress, in the way it hit the ground and spread
across the sky warning those who didn't get caught to flee. She
pressed harder wanting so badly to kill him, to end his tyrancy, his
dictatorship. Just as she was about to take that final step she let
go, pushing herself away from him feeling suddenly dizzy, past
crimes flew through her head from the petty ones to the village of
hunters that she had massacred when she thought that Dawn was dead.
Sparing only the women and children. Eyes widening as she looked
down at the unconscious man who she had almost killed, realising
almost too late what he had done and what he had planned. Backing
away further, until she felt the desk hit her in the back she sat
slightly on the edge her hand flying to her mouth as she tried to
hold back the bile that was quickly rising up her throat.

"Faith?" Buffy hesitantly asked suddenly feeling an assortment of
feelings that she had no idea if they even belonged to her or Faith.
She was still worried about the wound that was on the brunette's
shoulder, but was hesitant to approach in light of the pure ferocity
that she had just seen cross the brunette's face not just ten minutes
ago.

Faith looked back at her love with tears in her eyes not knowing how
to answer the unspoken questions that Buffy had unknowingly thrown
her way.

But she hadn't need to speak a word as soon as Buffy had seen those
tear she was overcome with emotions that she had never known
existed, instantly she rushed over to Faith, embracing her love,
making sure not to avagrate the wound that was now bleeding more
profusely. Reaching a tentative hand out she examined it, the sight
confirming that they needed to dress the wound though it wasn't
extremly deep, it worried Buffy, the wound was just a flesh wound it
shouldn't be bleeding as bad. Looking back at the unconscious body of
Travers making sure he was alive she turned back to Faith "come on
we have to get that wound cleaned up and patched," standing as she
said it.

"Buffy? I..." Faith wanted to say that she was sorry but knew that
it would be a lie, she knew who Travers was, what he stood for, and
what he was about to do. In Faith's eyes death was too good for
Quentin, though that didn't mean that she wouldn't kill him for his
crimes if need be. When she had first touched him she had seen every
crime, murder, and sadistic pleasure that he had gotten conducting
them. She had also gotten the answers to her questions. She knew,
everything, including the deals that Quentin had made with certain
vampires and a certain deputy mayor.

Grabbing Faith's hand Buffy looked deep into the dark soulful
chocolate eyes, that the Dark Slayer possessed pulling her love out
of what ever reviery that she had been trapped in. Touching her face
lightly Buffy kissed her deeply and possesively, putting every thing
she felt, everything she was in that one kiss; pulling her body
taunt against Faith's slightly sitting body, leaning against the
brunette pulling her love's body down against the desk, making the
kiss last longer.

Tears running down both of their cheeks, breaking the kiss only to
breath and come together again. Neither understanding what was
happening or why just that it was right, that nothing and no one
would be able to stop what was happening save divine intervention.
Placing a hand over the already healing wound on Faith's shoulder
Buffy slowly moved her hand down her lover's arm and side, tracing
the hem of Faith's shirt and the little skin that was there. Inching
her hand under and up when she heard the approving moan from the
brunette under her. Moving her body up until it was fully on top of
Faith's, her hand reaching a breast as she teased the nipple that had
been begging for her touch, pulling away from Faith's lips she moved
her mouth to the brunette's neck nibbling until she found
the brunette's pulse point, just above her collar bone, smiling
slightly when she heard the groan that accompanied it. Moving down
Buffy traced the contours of Faith's bra teasing the brunette.

"...Buffy..." Faith groaned again through kiss swollen lips, her
eyes hazed with lust and desire, hooded in their need to feel the
blonde's skin as she ran her hands up and down the blonde's back
lifting the shirt that Buffy was wearing wanting it off arching up
into the blond at the same time as she felt Buffy nuzzle and
tentatively lick at her clothe covered left nipple. Groaning a
little in disappointment when the blond sat up again.

Buffy feeling the Dark slayer's need, groaned in anticipation as she
discarded her shirt then her bra, moaning through her own kiss
swollen lips when she felt Faith's hands encircle her breasts,
teasing her and driving her crazy. Moving her hips to the rhythm
that Faith had begun as the brunette played with her like a pianist
playing Beethoven's fifth. Buffy sucked in a bout of air feeling the
brunette mouth latching on to her pulse point stroking her soft hand
up and down Buffy's sides teasing her was getting Buffy more aroused
by the second. Pulling at the brunette's shirt up and over her head
which was followed by the bra, Faith's hands moved to the clasp of
Buffy's jeans not caring where they were or who was still in the room
as soon as Faith got the clasp undone and the zipper zipped she
reached in much to the approval of Buffy cupped the blonde's sex,
alternating between lightly rubbing it and pressing in all the right
places.

Her moans becoming louder Buffy removed Faith's mouth from the breast
that it had just been entertaining. Pulling her face up, kissing
her, Buffy bodily pushed the brunette back down on the desk keeping
to the rhythm that Faith had started.

*****

MEANWHILE BACK IN SUNNYHELL

Ares starred up at the moon, silently trying to get a lock on his
daughter's whereabouts, while keeping a stoic stance under an elm
tree. Morgan starred at her husband worried and afraid for her
daughter. Just as she was about to speak up and ask, he turned to
her. Seeing the question in his wife's eyes, he sadly shook his head
confirming the conclusion that she had come to, 'if Faith wants to
be found, then she will come to us, no more no less' Morgan thought
once again. The only thing that made her not go insane with worry
was the maternal link that she and Faith shared by being mother and
daughter. She had always felt horrible for that short time that she
had spent with Faith, lying to her, not being able to tell her who
she was. But she had made a pact with that little man who to this
day just hearing his name through a thought made her shiver. It was
his fault that Ares had been bitten in the first place, they didn't
know that their little junction into the mortal realm would have set
thing that Hera had set into motion five thousand years ago, to a
startling halt. That they would be punished just cause they were
young and in love.

It was as they were both lost in thought remembering the reasons
that this whole mess had started that an arrow bolt hit Morgan in the
shoulder, making her fall into Ares' arms. Looking up Ares saw who
the culprit was that would dare to hurt his wife even though it was
a mortal weapon and had no effect on them, it still enraged him that
some stupid mortal girl would try. Taking the arrow out he stalked
over to the little human, with murderous intent in his heart after
making sure Morgan was okay.

He paused however when a large deformed panther lept out in front of
the girl growling at him, warding him away from the girl. Off to the
side another panther stepped into the light, growling the same
warning that the first had. Recognizing them he growled for them to
step aside, only to have the utmost contempt, distaste and refusal
thrown his way by the two guardians.

"Dawn, are you alright?" An old man stepped outside and into the
light shadowing his features giving his stone like face a more
menacing look to it.

"Fine" Dawn answered Giles smiling slightly at the man who seem to
be stuck where he was holding the arrow that she had shot at the
woman.

"What Is The Meaning Of This" Ares grounded out of clenched teeth,
not moving from where he was itching to reach for his sword but
knowing that on this plane his powers were limited. Holding off he
heard his wife communicating with him telepathically, telling him to
calm down.

Though his shoulders were still tense he did force himself to calm
slightly. Waiting for an explanation from the mortals he instead got
one from his wife when he heard her gasp and breathe out "The Key."

Looking back at his wife with a confused look on his face only
seeing her widened eyes he looked in the direction and saw only the
girl who had now been pushed back behind the older man. Smelling
magicks in the air he took a closer look at the mortals and saw
exactly what his wife had seen and so much more.

Morgan stepped forward heeding the warnings that were sent her way
by both the pantherians and the old mage saying "It's alright, we
have no wish to harm you, child." Looking closer at the girl now and
not at her aura she now knew who the girl had reminded her of, her
brother Arthur.

Ignoring the snort that came from the now sitting pantherian off to
the side she moved cautiously forward. Reaching her hand out "We
are here to help you."

That earned her another snort this time coming
from the girl and a "I think that's far enough" from the British mage.

Just as she was going to speak again a voice came from inside the
house. "Well, well, well, I came here to threaten the slayer to find
my key but looks like I didn't need to do that after all," followed
by a clapping sound. "Thanks honey, couldn't of done it without ya."
Glorificus exclaimed with an under current of sinister joy.